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Sonendo

Biotech & Life Sciences · Laguna Hills, United States · Founded 2006 · IPO 2021

Sonendo, a commercial-stage medical technology company, operates within the dental equipment and supplies industry, specifically targeting the endodontics market. The company was founded in June 2006, initially as Dentatek Corporation before rebranding to Sonendo, Inc. in March 2011. Co-founder Olav Bergheim, a serial entrepreneur in the life sciences sector with over three decades of experience, established the company through his life science accelerator, Fjord Ventures. His background includes executive roles at Baxter Healthcare and founding multiple successful medical companies like Glaukos Corporation and Volcano Corporation. Bjarne Bergheim, who holds degrees in mechanical engineering from UC Irvine and Caltech, joined as the first employee, serving as COO before becoming President and CEO in 2008. His prior experience at 3F Therapeutics, which was acquired by Medtronic, and his work in cardiovascular and biomedical engineering, provided a strong foundation for leading Sonendo's product development. Sonendo's business model centers on a recurring revenue stream generated from the sale of its flagship GentleWave System console and the mandatory use of associated single-use procedure instruments (PIs). The company primarily serves endodontists and dental practitioners who perform root canal therapies. Revenue is derived from the initial capital sale of the GentleWave console, which sold for approximately $95,000 to $110,000 per unit as of late 2023, and the ongoing purchase of the single-use PIs required for each procedure. The company's total revenue for the full year 2024 was $31.7 million. Historically, the company also generated revenue from its TDO (The Digital Office) practice management software, which integrated with the GentleWave system, but divested this segment in March 2024 to focus on its core technology. The GentleWave System is an FDA-cleared technology platform designed as an alternative to conventional root canal therapy. It utilizes a unique mechanism combining broad-spectrum acoustic energy, advanced fluid dynamics, and procedure fluid optimization. This process is designed to clean and disinfect the complex root canal system, including microscopic spaces, without requiring the extensive removal of tooth structure often associated with traditional methods. The key benefits for patients include a less invasive procedure, high and rapid healing rates, and minimal to no post-operative pain. For dental practices, the system aims to improve clinical outcomes, enhance workflow efficiency, and strengthen referral relationships. Sonendo has built a substantial intellectual property portfolio, with 162 issued patents as of December 2023, to protect its technology. The company went public via an IPO in October 2021. Keywords: endodontics, root canal therapy, dental technology, medical device, GentleWave System, tooth decay treatment, acoustic energy cleaning, minimally invasive dentistry, practice management software, Olav Bergheim, Bjarne Bergheim, Fjord Ventures, TDO Software, CleanFlow, multisonic ultracleaning, single-use medical device, dental equipment, root canal disinfection, advanced fluid dynamics, dental innovation